HANUKKAH

Hanukkah is an eight day holiday celebrated by Jewish people everywhere (history.com)

It "commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt" (history.com).

Hanukkah begins on the eve of the 25th in the Jewish month of Kislev.

A menorah is the nine-branched candelabrum used during the celebration of Hanukkah.

A dreidel, or sivion is a four-sided top that has a Hebrew letter on each side.

Over 14 million Jews celebrate Hanukkah each year.

HANUKKAH AND THE HOLOCAUST

• During the Holocaust, observance of Jewish festivals was restricted.
• In some places, Jews were forbidden to hold their religious rituals altogether.
• In other places Jews found it difficult to celebrate the holidays because of the harsh
• Conditions they were forced to live in (ghetto.galim.org).

QUESTIONS

• What day does Hanukkah start on?
• What is the candle holder used during Hanukkah?
• How long is Hanukkah?